Guide to the T. J. Gibson Papers, 1946-1986

Historical Background

T.J. Gibson served as assistant dean of students (1956-1969) and as associate dean of students (1969-1984) at the University of Texas School of Law. He was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor in 1970. A 1948 graduate of the law school, Gibson also worked as assistant law librarian (1948-1952 and 1954-1956) and as Texas State Librarian (1952-1954). As dean, Gibson's office was primarily involved with law school admissions, student discipline, student organizations, and the Sunflower Ceremony (the law school's commencement ceremony). Gibson also worked with many other aspects of the law school's administration, such as curriculum development and representing the law school on University and professional committees. He was instrumental in founding the Prelaw Society of Texas.

Contents of the Collection

The files in this collection were created and maintained by T. J. Gibson during the later part of his tenure as assistant dean and associate dean for students at the University of Texas School of Law, and include numerous records dealing with admissions, catalog revisions, curriculum, faculty meetings, fundraising, grading standards, handbooks, statistics, student discipline, and general administrative matters. Demolition of Pearce Hall (the Law School's building from 1908 to 1953) is captured in the photograph file, among pictures of T. J. Gibson, Professor William Fritz, and other law school faculty, staff, students, and events.

The collection reflects Gibson's service to the law school, the University of Texas, and the wider community through his work with a variety of committees and organizations. Other significant files document events of great importance to the law school's culture such as the Law Week, the Sunflower Ceremony, and a variety of extracurricular student activities. Calendars provide a glimpse into Gibson's daily tasks as dean of students.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

None.

Use Restrictions

The collection and any reproductions of the collection are made available for the purposes of private study, scholarship, and research only.

Tarlton Law Library does not hold the copyright to the materials, unless it has been transferred to the library by the creator. It is the researcher's responsibility to determine the copyright status and to obtain permission from the copyright holder before publishing any materials from the collection.

Some collections may contain sensitive or confidential information protected under federal and state privacy laws. The researchers are encouraged to report any such information to staff.

The University of Texas at Austin is not responsible for violations of intellectual property rights and any other laws or for liability to any person for defamation or invasion of privacy that result from unauthorized use of the collection by the researcher.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

T. J. Gibson Papers, Tarlton Law Library, The University of Texas at Austin.

Acquisition Information

Information of acquisition method not available.

Processing Information

Reprocessed in 2018 to incorporate additional materials.

Detailed Description of the Collection